Friday, September 6, 2013

Why Handmade: Photography Tips For Craftspeople

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

I am not, and probably never will be an expert in
photography. I cannot tell you how to get better lighting in your pictures any
more than I can tell you how to keep them focused. The automatic setting was
designed with me in mind. However, as a graphic designer I can discuss what you
want and do not want in your product
photos.

First and foremost, keep your pictures simple. All too often
I see pictures of product with fancy patterned backgrounds, propped on a wooden
log, lying around with sand dollars and shells, etc. This detracts from the
most important thing in your photograph – the item you wish to sell. It may be
a lovely photograph, but you do not want someone to choose to not purchase your
item because they hate the beach…unless of course you are selling handmade
beach towels. A simple white, black, or grey background is usually sufficient.

In most cases you want to choose a neutral toned background
color. As noted above, black, white, or grey is nearly always appropriate, but
a beige or a tan background can have its place as well. You do not want a color
that washes out or alters the color of your item, especially if you want to
sell it on line. A good test is to place your product on sheets of varying
color. Take note as to whether the color of the product changes with that
color; it will be subtle, but the hue will take on a slight change with only
some colors. If you notice a difference, this is not a good background color.

While we are on the topic of color, which is exceptionally
important, make sure that the end photograph closely matches the product. A
customer may be very disappointed if something appears much different than what
they expected, and color is something they will likely notice. Customers need
to be prepared for some variation in tone due to differences in monitor screen;
however, if you start with a photo that is near perfect in color variation it
will be in turn closer to what the customer thought they were purchasing.

One more thing about color -
take the picture with different tones. More often than not, I have found
my product does not look better or worse on a black or a white background, but
it does look different. Various details will pop out better on one background
than the other. We have two goals with our photos – we want to catch a
customer’s eye and we want to give them a really accurate picture of what they
are purchasing. Seeing your product on the two backgrounds will give the viewer
more information. If the picture truly only works with one background, then
discard the others.

Consider placement. No one is going to purchase your product
if it appears far away and small in your photograph. Consider that I make and
sell rings, which are very tiny items. The customer has a frame of reference
for the size of the ring, but what they want to see the details. If the photo
is a big wide open space of white with a little tiny ring in the middle, it
will get lost and overlooked. Considering the number of people selling on sites
such as Etsy, we cannot afford to be missed simply because the potential buyer
couldn’t see what we were selling.

Take multiple views of three-dimensional objects, including
close ups of interesting details. In two-dimensional work, take extreme close
ups of areas in the work the viewer may want to get a better look at. For
example, a face. If you are selling something functional such as a handbag,
narrow in on areas that may be of concern for a customer, such as the way the
strap connects to the purse, or whether there is a zipper.

In some instances, it is appropriate to show the item in
action. A sweater may better show it’s merits if it is being worn. Consider not
showing the face of the model so that the focus is on the clothing and not the
wearer. You want the customer to imagine her own face wearing it, not your best
friend. A wine glass ornament may need to be depicted on a wine glass, but if
you are not selling the wine glass, that should be made clear and you should
also include photos with just the ornament. However, there are other times that
showing the product is a detractor. For example, no one wants to buy the
earrings you are wearing. I know, and you know, that you can and will change
the French hooks before sending it to the customer, but they are not certain.

Some products require propping so they can be seen. Rings
and earrings come to mind. There are photo products out there that will hold
your item and remain all but invisible to the camera. Ideally these are best as
there is nothing to distract the eye. However, if these are not available,
choose a way to hold your item that blends into the background.

Finally, make sure your product, and surfaces are ultra
clean! No one wants to buy something that appears dirty.